As the cleanup for hurricane Sandy begins, I have asked myself a question.
It is easy to see the contribution of government in time of crisis. It is represented by the National Guardsmen, the FEMA representatives, and equipment. It is represented in National Weather Service, in emergency declarations, and shelters.
It is easy to see the contribution of charities in time of crisis. The Red Cross is feeding, clothing, and sheltering people. If necessary they are organizing blood drives.
My question is, "What is the contribution of multi-national corporations?" There must be some, because Wall Street is their homeland if anyplace is, but I don't see much.
I suppose that is relevant, because Mitt Romney talked about privatizing FEMA earlier in the year.
In a privatized rescue operation, would a helicopter lower a credit card swiper first, and a rope only if the fee was met?
I view government as organized cooperation, and think it works best when its' services are commonly needed, or morally necessary. Organizations like the Coast Guard, National Guard, National Weather Service and FEMA prove their worth when you need them most. These are organizations that the US government needs to take care of our own and I think it is unwise to cripple their effectiveness, and it seems especially obvious now, doesn't it?
Would New Jersey's governor Chris Christie, for instance, have complemented president Obama's effectiveness if FEMA were unresponsive?
